Divya

When I landed in the UK on September 17, 2022, I had my share of dreams, determination, and a student loan.

I was ready and prepared with all my research about my course, about the universities and what they had to offer.

I chose the UK for its solid management programs. But no course could have prepared me for the rollercoaster of job hunting as an international student.

2 months into my MSc, I started my journey to secure a job.

1500+ applications —> 1491 rejections (or ghostings) —> 9 interviews —> 2 final rounds —> 1 precious offer.

Each silent response and rejection tested my patience. There were days when I questioned everything.

It was a learning journey in itself to juggle between a part-time desk job, my coursework and being consistent with job application.

Nothing has taught me about time management and prioritisation than my time as an international student.

In my job search journey, I made sure I did everything in my power to stand out.

I got creative with having presentations ready whenever I had an interview to showcase my skills and my personality.

This often led me to land the next round of interview.

The turning point was when I discovered Unimad.

Two things that made a difference:

– LinkedIn Optimisation: After interviews, I'd see company views on my profile. It was proof that a strong LinkedIn presence mattered.

– Value Proposition Document (VPD): The VPD, especially its 30-60-90 day plan, fit perfectly with my eventual employer's onboarding process.

There was a point when I stopped applying altogether. The rejections were overwhelming. But with support from the Unimad community and my determination, I pushed through.

On August 16, 2024, nearly 20 months into my job search, I landed my full-time job.

My 2 cents for anyone on this journey would be to keep pushing.

It's okay to not be okay. Whatever you're feeling - happy, sad, or frustrated - keep going.

Don't be afraid to ask for help or try new approaches. Remember, you're one day closer to your goal.

Every rejection brought me closer to the right opportunity. And Unimad gave me the tools to seize it when it came.